Bcl-2 Oncoprotein Test

B-cell lymphoma/leukemia-2 genes lend its name to the oncoprotein Bcl-2. It is present in cases of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and it negates apoptosis. In normal apoptosis, the dead cells are eliminated and new cell growth takes place. OSCC is the most common type of malignant tumour of the oral cavity. Test for Bcl-2 gene component expression is done using immunohistochemistry for patients with oral precancer and cancer. It is because of Bcl-2 that oral epithelial dysplasia progresses to squamous cell carcinoma. The testing technique, immunohistochemical staining is commonly used in the diagnosis of abnormal cell growth. The distribution and localization of biomarkers like Bcl-2 in different parts of the biological tissue help to confirm oral precancer and cancer.

Visit the doctor to discuss your health condition with respect to the onset of any symptoms or level of discomfort. First, the doctor will order clinicopathological tests. Based on the findings, immunohistochemical test of Bcl-2 will be ordered. It is important to follow the instructions given by the doctor or the pathologist. For tissue sample collection, the doctor will instruct you to get hospitalised. The dos and don’ts prior to the tissue sample collection procedure are to be followed sincerely.

Normally, the clinicopathological findings and the Bcl-2 oncoprotein expression are correlated to establish oral precancer and cancer. The test result is misleading in case of patients who had undergone previous radiotherapy, surgery or chemotherapy. The histopathological examination result is divided into 3 grades of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) – well differentiated OSCC, moderately differentiated OSCC and poorly differentiated OSCC. Similarly, in case of epithelial dysplasia, the histopathological examination result is divided into 3 grades – mild dysplasia, moderate dysplasia and severe dysplasia.

Tissue sample for histopathological examination is taken from the tumours of the cheek or tongue usually after anaesthesia is administered. A fragment of tissue is taken from the suspected malignant tumour, usually in an operation theatre by a qualified surgeon. Sometimes, if a tumour or lesion is removed surgically, tissue sample from the removed part is taken. Usually, at the hospital’s ‘Department of oral medicine and Radiology’ wing the tissue undergoes levels of treatments to get fit for histopathological examination by a qualified oral pathologist. The tissue sample collected is immediately fixed in 10% buffered formaldehyde solution. Next, it is embedded in paraffin at 56 °C. This formalin-fixed, paraffin embedded tissue sample is stained with hematoxylin and eosin.